As you prepare to open up camp for the season, be sure to follow these tips to protect our lakes and wildlife!
Leave the leaves and yard debris: Other than to clear your designated footpath, don’t pick up the rake!
Inspect your septic system: Consider having your tank pumped if it hasn’t been recently and walk around your leach field to look for anything unusual.
Clean your boat: Always check for hitchhiking plants. If washing your boat, do so away from the shoreline.
Clear out culverts and diverters: To function properly, make sure to remove any built up sediment, leaves, and debris.
Look for signs of erosion: Look for bare soil, exposed roots and rocks, and channels. Check out the Maine Lakes BMP page for solutions!
To learn more, check out our previous article Lake-friendly tips for opening camp.
This article was included in 30 Mile’s May 2026 newsletter. To view the full release, click here.